Lib Dem councillors quit over leadership concerns

A pair of Liberal Democrat councillors have quit the party to sit as independents on Harborough District Council.

Buddy Anderson and Jo Asher said they had taken the "difficult" decision after a Liberal Democrat-led coalition, which had run the authority since 2023, was removed from power by the Conservatives last month.

In a joint statement on Friday, they said they believed a change in the council's Liberal Democrat group leadership was needed to "rebuild confidence" but they quit when it did not happen.

The council's Liberal Democrat group leader Phil Knowles has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

In their statement, Anderson and Asher said: "Following the loss of control of the council, we believed a change in our own group leadership was needed to move forward effectively and rebuild confidence.

"Unfortunately, this change was not forthcoming, and we increasingly felt that our views and concerns were not being heard within the group.

"This decision has not been taken lightly.

"However, we believe it is the right step in order to represent our residents with integrity and ensure that their voices are properly reflected in the decisions being made."

Anderson, who represents the Great Bowden and Arden ward, and Asher, who represents the Lubenham ward, insisted their priority remained working for residents.

Conservative deputy council leader Phil King said: "The speed at which the Liberal Democrats and the wider coalition have broken down under councillor Knowles' watch shows exactly why we had to act [to take control] when we did.

"Residents deserve stability, competence and leadership focused on the district, not political infighting."

The Liberal Democrats now have seven councillors but remain the second largest party behind the Tories with 16.

There are three Green councillors and two Labour members, four independents, and a Reform UK member.

One seat remains vacant after the death of a Labour councillor last month.

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